The Most Precious Thing in Life

The Most Precious Thing in Life is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by Lambert Hillyer and starring Richard Cromwell, Jean Arthur, Donald Cook, Anita Louise, and Mary Forbes.

The film tells a story about secret and selfless maternal devotion with elements of Madame X (1929) and Stella Dallas (1937). It is Jean Arthur's third film with Columbia.

Plot
Ellen Holmes, a girl from an ordinary family, marries a rich, yet spoiled, boy from a snobbish family. The pair has a son, but soon Ellen finds herself ousted from the life of her husband. However, she rediscovers her son years later.

Cast

 * Richard Cromwell as Chris Kelsey
 * Jean Arthur as Ellen Holmes, also known as Biddy and Babe
 * Donald Cook as Bob Kelsey
 * Anita Louise as Patty O'Day
 * Mary Forbes as Mrs. Kelsey
 * Jane Darwell as Mrs. O'Day
 * Ben Alexander as Gubby Gerhart
 * John Wray as Carter [Head janitor]
 * Ward Bond as Head coach
 * Dutch Hendrian as Assistant coach
 * Paul Stanton as Mr. Kelsey
 * Greta Meyer as Mrs. Svenson
 * Samuel S. Hinds as Dean
 * Maidel Turner as Dean's wife